The selection of Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson by the Los Angeles Rams at No. 13 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft shocked fans, analysts, and even some inside the league.
But according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero, this wasn’t a last-minute surprise; it was a move that had been quietly building for months behind the scenes.
Pelissero revealed that Rams general manager Les Snead played a pivotal role in Simpson’s decision to enter the draft in the first place.
Behind The Scenes of Ty Simpson’s Draft Decision
Back in December, as Simpson and his family weighed whether to return to college or go pro, Snead delivered a message that would ultimately shape the quarterback’s future: his “floor” was the first round.
That confidence didn’t stop there.
Pelissero detailed that during the pre-draft process, including meetings around the Rose Bowl, the Rams doubled down on their belief in Simpson. At one point, Snead essentially told the Simpson family that Los Angeles would take him with the 13th overall pick.
That level of conviction is rare in NFL circles, where uncertainty typically rules the draft process.
Rams Out-Recruit College Football
In one of the most fascinating twists of this story, the Rams weren’t just evaluating Simpson; they were actively influencing his career path.
At the same time, Simpson was considering the NFL, he reportedly had massive NIL offers on the table, including deals exceeding $6 million to stay in college football.
Despite that, the relationship with Snead and the Rams organization helped push Simpson toward declaring for the draft.
Los Angeles even hosted Simpson’s parents at their facility during the pre-draft process, further reinforcing their commitment and vision for him as a franchise quarterback.
Why the Rams Were So Aggressive
Despite the criticism, the Rams’ reasoning is clear.
With veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford still playing at a high level but nearing the end of his career, Los Angeles prioritized securing its future now rather than risking missing out later.
The organization believed that waiting until future drafts, where they expect to pick later, could leave them without access to a top quarterback prospect.
So instead of reacting to the board, the Rams acted decisively. This was a calculated decision by the Rams front office, and only time will tell if it pays off.
NFL Insider Reveals How Ty Simpson’s Shocking Rams Draft Pick Really Happened